The world's first major festival exclusively devoted to the art, craft and business of international scriptwriting takes place in Cheltenham. Located in the picturesque setting of Arle Court, now known under the name The Manor by the Lake, the 3 day event brings together professional industry delegates, high profile guests and new talent from around the world. This year's highlights include Julian Fellowes, the writer of the Oscar-winning film Gosford Park, William Nicholson (Gladiator, Elizabeth - The Golden Age and Shadowlands), renowned fantasy writer Terry Pratchett, Peter Kosminsky, who won a BAFTA on Sunday for his drama serial Britz, Kay Mellor whose credits include Playing the Field and Fat Friends and many more.

The Tubby Blues Show takes place at Newlands Park Club in Bishop's Cleeve. Bands booked to play include The Mick Rutherford Band and Sam Payne. Gloucestershire blues performer Otis Mack will compere the show. Tickets cost £10 each. Tables can be reserved by calling 01242 691998 or 07796 034206. Doors open at 7pm and the show will run from 8.25pm to midnight.

Naunton Park Primary School summer fair is held from 6pm to 8pm on July 4.

Balcarras School will be hosting Robbie Williams tribute show by tv showman Gareth Severn. A show not to be missed, spectacular tribute. Licensed bar and food available, Price includes raffle prize. Admission £8, start 8pm.

 FRIDAY, 4 JULY - SATURDAY, 19 JULY 2008

Cheltenham Music Festival is a huge summer celebration of live classical music with events ranging from free family workshops and young artists’ projects, through to concerts from well-loved performers and the promotion of contemporary composers. Events take place in Cheltenham Town Hall, Pittville Pump Room, Tewkesbury Abbey, All Saints' Church, St. Andrew's Church and other venues.

Philomusica of Gloucestershire & Worcestershire mixed choir present a summer concert which will take place at Lonsdale Road Methodist Church, Longlevens, Gloucester GL2 OTA. 'Showstoppers' a delightful program of popular songs from opera to Broadway. Start at 7.30pm, admission £7 (children under 16 free). Tickets may be purchased in advance at a discount price of £6 - Tel: 01594 829222.

Annual Church Fete with The Frampton-on-Severn silver band playing, the Fairford Classic Car Club on display as well as all the usual stalls will take place at Swindon Village Playing Fields at 1.45pm. There will also be a bouncey castle, wine tasting, plant stall, teas, BBQ as well as a grand raffle all in aid of church funds. Admission 50p.

2008 Race for Life event is held at Cheltenham Racecourse. The event starts at 11:00, but please make sure you arrive an hour before so that you can take part in the warm-up. 5km course will take you round Cheltenham Racecourse, and the surrounding areas. Enter now and raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK

Musica Vera presents a concert of English Madrigals and Partsongs, which will take place in the Chapel at Leckhampton Court Hospice. Start 8pm, tickets £9. For more information call Duncan on 01242 246281.

The Two Thousand Trees Festival festival is one of the latest additions to Cheltenham summer season. Inspired by independent events like Truck Festival, the Two Thousand Trees Festival is about the love of live music, great performances and having a fantastic time in a field. Ticket sales are strictly limited to 2,000 people who experience two nights of music under the stars in a relaxing, picturesque Cotswolds location with three stages featuring over forty bands. Fully licensed bar is on site.

The Jolly Brewmaster, Painswick Road, is holding a cider Festival from Friday, 11th July to Sunday, 13th July. Friday: BBQ, Saturday: Irish music and pig roast, Sunday: live music and Indian BBQ.

National Star College is holding an Indian Summer Fete on 12th July from 12noon to 4pm. Charity Fete to raise money for the National Star College's Star Appeal. Admission Adults £2.50 Children £1

On Saturday 12 July, fencing, badminton, five-a-side football and dance workshops will be some of the activities which can be enjoyed at a free family sports day in Christ College Sports Centre, Arle Road. Indoor and outdoor activities will be running throughout the day and will include hockey, majorettes, curling, tennis and paralympic sports. Other family fun will include a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, a prize draw and face painting. All activities are free on the day and refreshments will be available to purchase. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Summer concert is to be held in St. Gregory's Church, St. James' Square. Music for a Summer Afternoon by Musica Vera Choir. Medleys from the musicals as well as Ave Maria and other favourites. Tickets on the door. Proceeds to Egalite Absolue, a Cheltenham based charity providing holidays and pilgrimages for the sick and disabled. Start 3.30pm. Admission £10 to include afternoon tea.

The Tuckwell Amphitheatre in Dean Close School's Bacon Theatre provides the backdrop to two weeks of entertainment - there are performances from local theatre companies, cinema under the stars, children's fun days, live music performances of local musicians and more.

Cheltenham Horse Show takes place on July 19 at Cheltenham racecourse. It will showcase 1,000 riders from children to top-end show jumpers. There are also working hunter, showing, and driving classes to watch. The show attracts hundreds of enthusiasts and this year is expected to be no exception.

A new regular Book Fair is coming to Cheltenham in July. The first Book Fair will take place at St. Andrew's Church in Montpellier on Saturday the 19th of July (10:30 - 4:00). A wide range of books covering a variety of different subjects will be offered - something for everyone - including some very inexpensive bargains, plenty of medium priced quality titles, as well a number of scarce and collectable works. Entrance is free and refreshments will be served. Nearby parking is available, there is also disabled access.

This free event will include performances by Peter Gill & Friends and London Bulgarian Choir, Coady Crew dance display, Scottish dancing, African drumming parade, chip pan fire display. There will be stalls, inflatable castle, raffle, as well as samba, DJ and circus skills workshops. Furthermore from 10.30am - 2pm, Star radio will be holding auditions for the next Cheltenham star to sing live on the radio. The event starts at 11am.

On 19th July at 10am St Michael's Cornerstone Centre, 1 Severn road, Cheltenham will be having a Jumble sale. All proceeds will be for the Community. Admission free.

Bishops Cleeve Seniors Club is holding a Summer Fayre at Denley Hall, Churchfields, Bishop's Cleeve. The afternoon includes games and refreshments, stalls selling plants, books, bric-a-brac, cakes and jumble. Open: 2pm-4pm, Admission: 30p.

A chance to discover what is happening in your local Community centre: complimentary therapy taster treatments by Springbank Healing Centre, Free taster classes (tai chi and more). Meet the groups and organisations based at the centre. Refreshments provided by Friends of Springbank. Free parking and admission. Event starts at 10am, admission free.

Be inspired by the wonderful collection of ceramics in Chelteham Art Gallery and decorate a china plate or tile to take home with you. A drop-in family event (Children must be accompanied by an adult) Pay on the day £2 per plate or tile. Times: 10.30 – 12.00 and 1.30 -3.00

The Displacements come to Cheltenham for a live date on their Down and Out single tour. The Displacements have had many a Radio One air play, never out of the NME and look like they are very much on the up in the music industry. A night not to be missed!. Tickets £6 on the door or can be bought from, www.gigantic.com For more info, www.myspace.com/okletsgopromotes www.myspace.com/thedisplacements

On Saturday 26th July the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, based at Toddington near Cheltenham, is running a special steam train in aid of Maggie’s Cotswolds. The ‘The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds’ offers a 20-mile round trip, with superb scenery, between Toddington and Cheltenham. A jazz band will play at Toddington station from 17.30.

There will be an on-train bar and for those passengers wishing to purchase a light snack or hot & cold drinks before they travel, the Flag & Whistle tearooms at Toddington Station will remain open until 18:15. If the weather is fine there is also a picnic area. The train will depart from Toddington at 18:30, returning at approximately 20:00.

Tickets: £15 adults, £7.50 children (under 16), under 3 years-free. Family ticket £40.

Take part in a fun and creative dance workshop making movements inspired by paintings in the galleries (No dance experience necessary) 8 - 12 yr olds Tickets available in advance £4.50. Times: 10.30 – 12.30 and 1.30 – 3.30

Against the idyllic backdrop of Cheltenham College and the Cotswold hills, at Cheltenham Cricket Festival you get the chance to see top cricketers in action. The festival is one of the biggest events in the English cricketing calendar and is not to be missed.